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German and Italian Tourists Flock Mombasa Beach Hotels
The global economic downturn and last year’s Kenya post-election violence slowed the rapid growth in tourism in Kenya’, but it turns out the two misfortunes only slowed it, In fact, because of the pressure on cost-cutting Western holiday-makers to reduce stress that comes with financial depression and make up for the 2008 miss, Kenya tourism is beginning to boom again according to African Safaris and Adventures Director Bussiness Development Esther Muthoni
And a mood that was deeply uncertain just a few months ago has turned much more optimistic than ever, Major hotel chains such as the African Safari Club and Serena Hotels and Lodges which was closed for the better part of 2008 due to the slump in the hotel industry, have reopened with a bang, registering more than 50 per cent accommodation occupancy as the high season sets in. A number of its hotels and game lodges in the Tsavo and Masai Mara National Park and Amboseli are already doing brisk business, according to their managers, following the resumption of major airlines from Europe to the Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
“Since the beginning of this month,” said Mr. Musa, the general manager of Sarova Hotels and Lodges, “we have been receiving about 14 flights per week but the numbers should go up significantly to about 22 by October when the high tourist season picks up.” Air Italy, which is currently operating four flights per week is scheduled to increase to 13 while other airlines like the Blue Panorama, Livingstone and Euro fly, all from Italy, will be operating between three and seven flights per week, he said.
Africa Safari Club is one of the biggest hotel chains in Kenya that also includes Shanzu Coral Beach and Palm Beach, which could be reopened if tourist numbers grow, Business at the Moi International Airport in Mombassa had grown 7 per cent by the beginning of July and is expected to go up by over 45 per cent this year following an increase in the number of flights. This, according to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), will see the number of passengers touch the 1.4 million this year following the return of various airlines that withdrew services in the heat of post-election violence precipitated by the disputed presidential election of December 27, 2007.
The coast, Kenya’s key tourist attraction with its sunny beaches, was one of the hardest hit by sporadic violence and destruction of property, causing skittish tourists to cancel bookings and suspend planned visits, as tribal fighting claimed over 1,000 people and displaced nearly half a million others. Moi International Airport Mombassa manager Kangugo said there were strong indications that this year’s performance would level that of 2007 when the airport received an average of 27 charter flights per week.
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